Lesson Plans: Social Sciences
EVALUATE CAUSES OF U.S. INVOLVEMENT
IN WORLD WAR II

Send questions and comments concerning this lesson to author
Linda M. McCubbins, Education Coordinator
MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk, Virignia.

Grade Levels:
    6 - 11

Objectives:
Accomplish as many of the applicable SOLs as time allows. Although the activity below gives students a better understanding of why the United States entered World War II, it also reinforces Civics SOLs by illustrating the ways individuals and other interest groups influence government policymakers .

Standards:
Social Sciences:
6.6, 6.11, 7.2, 7.4, 9.10, 9.11, 10.14, 10.15, 11.11, 11.12, 11.17, 11.18

Type of Program:

   Interpret a primary source document.

   A telegram from General Douglas MacArthur to William Allen White, the publisher and editor of Kansas' Emporia Gazette, allows students to examine and evaluate the causes of U.S. involvement in World War II.

Length of Program: 4+ Hours to accomplish all aspects of the lesson.

Cost: Field Trips to the MacArthur Memorial can be taken without charge.

  1. If intending to take your class on a field trip to the MacArthur Memorial, please contact Linda McCubbins, MacArthur Memorial Education Coordinator, to arrange the date and time of the visit.
  2. Confirmation of the visit will be sent to the lead teacher, with pre-visit information and a parking map.

Background:

Western Union Telegram from
General Douglas MacArthur to William Allen White
September 15, 1940

William Allen White
8 West 40th St, N.Y.C.		 Manila, Sept 15, 1940

   You have asked my military opinion as to whether the time has come for America to give continued and further aid to England in the fight for civilization. The history of failure in war can almost be summed up in two words, too late. Too late in comprehending the deadly purpose of a potential enemy. Too late in realizing mortal danger. Too late in preparedness. Too late in uniting all possible forces for resistance. Too late in standing with one's friends.

  Victory in war results from no mysterious alchemy or wizardry, but entirely upon the concentration of superior force at the critical points of combat. To face an adversary in detail has been the prayer of every conqueror in history. It is the secret of the past successes of the axis powers. In this war it is their main hope for continued and ultimate victory.

   The greatest strategical mistake in all history will be made if America fails to recognize the vital moment, if she permits again the writing of that fatal epitaph, "too late." Such coordinated help as may be regarded as proper by our leaders should be synchronized with the British effort so that the English speaking peoples of the world will not be broken in detail. The vulnerability of singleness will disappear before unity of effort-not too late, not tomorrow, but today.

  DOUGLAS MACARTHUR

Procedure:

   Have students participate in a mock congressional hearing in which they express their opinions on whether or not the United States should enter war. Students should be divided to represent private citizens and congressional members. After all views have been expressed, have "Congress" vote on the United States' entry in World War II.

  

CONTACT:
Linda McCubbins
Education Coordinator
General Douglas MacArthur Memorial
MacArthur Square
Norfolk, Virginia 23510

PHONE: (757) 441-2965
E-MAIL: macmem@norfolk.infi.net

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